Last week, the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the “Strategic Plan for Rural Development of BiH 2023-2027 – Framework Document,” which sets key goals for aligning agriculture and rural development in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This strategic document lays the foundation for attracting investments into the agricultural and rural sectors, creating opportunities for progress and modernization of key economic sectors.

The EU4AGRI project provided technical support to the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina in drafting this important document, further strengthening the capacities of domestic institutions for sustainable development. The Strategic Plan offers a clear vision and measures to enhance agriculture and rural areas, covering the following key objectives:

  • 📈 Developing a competitive and climate-resilient agri-food sector: The focus is on creating a stable and prosperous sector capable of responding to climate change challenges.
  • 💡 Increasing productivity through digitalization and innovation: Investing in modern technology and innovative approaches to boost efficiency and productivity.
  • 🌱 Sustainable management of natural resources: Preserving resources such as water, land, and biodiversity through sustainable practices.
  • 🏞️ Prosperous rural areas attractive for living, especially for young people: Creating conditions for economic development and improving the quality of life in rural areas, with special emphasis on young people.

The adoption of this Strategic Plan, along with the previously adopted Law on the Organization of the Wine Market in BiH last year, sets crucial foundations for the further advancement of the agricultural sector in BiH and brings the country closer to EU membership. The EU4AGRI project also provided technical support to BiH institutions in preparing both documents.

This significant step brings benefits not only to farmers but also to rural communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, strengthening their resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable development. The implementation of this Plan will be key to further improving life in rural areas and strengthening the agricultural sector as one of the pillars of economic growth in BiH.